8. If they are bound in chainsand held in cords of affliction,
9. then He shows them their work,and their transgressions that they have exceeded;
10. and He opens their ear to discipline,and commands that they turn from iniquity.
11. If they obey and serve Him,they will spend their days in prosperityand their years in pleasures.
12. But if they do not obey,they will perish by the sword,and they will die without knowledge.
13. “But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath;they do not cry out when He binds them.
14. They die in youth,and their life ends among the unclean.
15. He delivers the poor in their affliction,and opens their ears in oppression.
16. “Even so He would have removed you out of distressinto a broad place where there is no restraint;and that which was set on your table would be full of richness.
17. But you are filled with the judgment due the wicked;judgment and justice take hold of you.
18. Because there is wrath, beware lest He take you away with a blow;even a great ransom cannot deliver you.
19. Will He esteem your riches?No, not gold, nor all the force of your strength.
20. Do not desire the night,when people are cut off in their place.
21. Take heed! Do not turn to iniquity,for you have chosen this rather than affliction.
22. “Behold, God is exalted in His power;who teaches like Him?
23. Who has prescribed His way for Him?Or who can say, ‘You have worked iniquity’?
24. Remember to magnify His work,which men behold.
25. Every man may see it;man may behold it from afar.
26. Look, God is great, and we do not know Him,nor can the number of His years be searched out.
27. “For He draws up the drops of water;they distill rain according to its mist,